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Ilya Kovalchuk Interested in Joining the Rangers?

During his time in the NHL (2001-2002 season to the 2012-2013 season) Kovalchuck was second in PP goals with 138 (one goals out of first) and he was also second in PP points.

He's also four years older, and last played during the lockout shortened season.

To be honest, I think he could come back and have a Radulov-esque season. I'd take a flyer depending on cost. However, previous posts claim he's worth nothing more than a late round pick but at the same time think he can slot into the top-6. That is unrealistic in my opinion. It's either he's a top-6 forward and will cost as much, or he's got no foot speed and he's done and won't cost more than a 5th or 6th.

Most of the leading PP goal scorers weren't big shots. After Ovechkin, it goes Kucherov, Schenn, Simmonds, Crosby, Eaves, Hoffman, Benn and finally another big shot in Weber. We tried the big shot in Pirri, and it didn't pay out. There's better ways to spend assets in contracts and trades.

Pirri worked out just fine. He gave them what was expected. The PP looked it's best when he was in the lineup. I wish they dressed him in the playoffs.

As far as Kovalchuk goes. Let's hope the Devil's agree to him coming back, and that he instantly decides that he will only play for the Rangers. Hopefully lowering the asking price to that late first rounder and some garbage the team wants to get rid of anyway.

Well yes and no. We've seen what happens to players who can't keep up with the puck. Foot speed is major benefit but players like Hayes have proven it's not a requirement for success. So even if he has lost a step or two, it's his play with the puck that can still prove his worth.

Definitely a world class talent, but have to keep things in perspective.
He's 34, and any thought of him on this team is short term. Biggest question would be what is he worth to the Devils.
And what moves can we make to clear cap space.

I don't care if the guy is literally fossilizing. If Kovalchuk can play anything like he could when he left for the KHL, I'll take him on my team with little question.

I'm not sure how Jagr ever got into the conversation.
1- Kovalchuk is no Jagr
2- That 120 point season was after the lockout when scoring and power plays were inflated in the league. I believe scoring went up 20% that season from year before.
3- Jagr was actually 33 I believe.
4- Kovalchuk is no Jagr

Kovalchuk is 5 years removed from the NHL, and his last season was on pace for 68 pts in the NHL (had he not been injured).
Radulov was maintaining 1.37pts per game in KHL last two seasons before he came back.
Kovalchuk was maintain 1.15 pts per game in the KHL last two seasons.
Radulov scored 54 points last season for Montreal.

I think 50-60 pts would be what I would expect out of Kovalchuk at best.

The only reason I'd want him is to cuckhold the Devils and watch him put up a billion points against them. Otherwise the guy can fuck off. No loyalty, not a team player, 34 and years removed from a faster NHL. Not interested.

Kucherov and Hoffman are elite-level shooters. Crosby is Crosby. Schenn, Simmonds and Eaves do their work at the front of the net but have great shooters around them to draw attention. http://i.imgur.com/JtnGtn2.mp4
Pirri worked just fine on the PP.

I got Kuchy to the front page of imgur the day after this happened and you post the gif with 4 votes. I hate you.
I hate you so much. http://imgur.com/gallery/5StL5